Some summers the passes in the Sierra Nevada range open early and other
years they open late. It all depends on how much snow accumulates during the
winter and into the spring. A late snowstorm can set things back even
further, but every year is a little different in one way or another. The
Sierra Nevada saw a lot of snow during the early months of 2019 and so
passes stayed buried in snow later than normal. Many trailheads will not be
accessible until July this year. For hikers doing the section of the Pacific
Crest Trail that goes over Forester Pass, the way will be particularly
difficult with snow on the pass well into August. It may even be the case
that this year Forester Pass never gets completely snow free. Of course,
snow covered passes are not the only issue. Streams which normally flow
gently may become raging torrents for an extended period of time as the
massive amount of snow melts. However, there's no point in complaining,
excessive snow is undoubtedly preferable to a drought, especially in the
crowded state of California!